Latest Centrelink boost falls short, Aussies demand more action from the government
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As the cost of living continuously rises, any increase in Centrelink payments is typically welcomed.
The Australian government has recently announced a six per cent increase in Centrelink payments, which will affect almost one million recipients.
Despite the increase, there's a growing consensus that this measure is simply not enough to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), has been vocal about the inadequacy of the current increase.
In an interview, she acknowledged that while every extra dollar helps, it ‘does not get these key payments to the level that will lift people out of poverty'.
ACOSS's research towards the end of last year painted a grim picture of the struggles faced by those relying on Centrelink payments.
'Our cost of living research…showed people relying on these kinds of payments were going without food; they were going without heating and cooling,' Ms Goldie shared.
'We want to see action,' she added.
'We do want the government to go much further with its approach to tackling [the] cost of living [crisis], particularly for people on the very lowest incomes.'
This comes after news that those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payments will receive a much-needed increase in their payments starting from the 20th of September, 2023.
Under this initiative, each single pensioner would see an increase of $32.70 per fortnight, while couples will get an increase of $49.40 ($24.70 each). You can read more about this here.
Adding to these cost of living relief initiatives, around 782,000 people on JobSeeker saw a $40 increase in payment each fortnight, while 222,000 Australians on Youth Allowance and about 64,000 families on Partnered Parenting also saw an increase in payments.
This additional relief is estimated to cost the government $4.7 billion.
While the increase seemed substantial, experts said that the current system still leaves pensioners lagging behind inflation.
National Seniors Australia Chief Advocate Ian Henschke stated: 'More can be done to support older people doing it tough, as recent National Seniors research showed a greater proportion of people with low incomes and those who are renting are suffering from cost-of-living pressures.’
'What we need is additional targeted support for people with limited means.'
'We will continue to fight for a system that improves people's lives.'
What are your thoughts on the Centrelink increase? Do you think it's enough support for those struggling with the rising cost of living? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
The Australian government has recently announced a six per cent increase in Centrelink payments, which will affect almost one million recipients.
Despite the increase, there's a growing consensus that this measure is simply not enough to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), has been vocal about the inadequacy of the current increase.
The increase in Centrelink payments is not enough for many Aussies. Image source: Shutterstock.
In an interview, she acknowledged that while every extra dollar helps, it ‘does not get these key payments to the level that will lift people out of poverty'.
ACOSS's research towards the end of last year painted a grim picture of the struggles faced by those relying on Centrelink payments.
'Our cost of living research…showed people relying on these kinds of payments were going without food; they were going without heating and cooling,' Ms Goldie shared.
'We want to see action,' she added.
'We do want the government to go much further with its approach to tackling [the] cost of living [crisis], particularly for people on the very lowest incomes.'
This comes after news that those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payments will receive a much-needed increase in their payments starting from the 20th of September, 2023.
Under this initiative, each single pensioner would see an increase of $32.70 per fortnight, while couples will get an increase of $49.40 ($24.70 each). You can read more about this here.
Adding to these cost of living relief initiatives, around 782,000 people on JobSeeker saw a $40 increase in payment each fortnight, while 222,000 Australians on Youth Allowance and about 64,000 families on Partnered Parenting also saw an increase in payments.
This additional relief is estimated to cost the government $4.7 billion.
While the increase seemed substantial, experts said that the current system still leaves pensioners lagging behind inflation.
National Seniors Australia Chief Advocate Ian Henschke stated: 'More can be done to support older people doing it tough, as recent National Seniors research showed a greater proportion of people with low incomes and those who are renting are suffering from cost-of-living pressures.’
'What we need is additional targeted support for people with limited means.'
'We will continue to fight for a system that improves people's lives.'
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